‘It shows utter incompetence’

Farmer hits out at Labour for pausing protection against extreme weather

- By Eleanor Burleigh

FARMERS have blasted ministers for putting on hold a scheme that helped future-proof food production against extreme climates.

Arable farmer Richard Bramley was still reeling from Labour's inheritance tax for farms worth more than £1million when he recorded a 25% drop in crop yields after England’s driest six months in nearly 50 years.

Richard is one of many hit by the extreme weather, with five areas — including Yorkshire where he lives — officially in drought, and six more experiencing a prolonged dry spell.